Our Culture of Innovation

About Our Programs

At Vertex, we are relentless. Fueled by the needs of patients, families, doctors and nurses, we drive innovation in every aspect of our business and from every employee for a single purpose: to transform lives.

We have developed both internal programs and external partnerships to sustain and grow the culture of innovation that got us to where we are today - a leading global biotech company that has discovered, developed and brought to patients multiple transformative medicines for serious, life-threatening diseases.

These innovation programs focus on four strategic objectives with an overall goal of making Vertex a phenomenal place to innovate:

Vertex Fellows

The Vertex Fellows program is a unique, one-year opportunity for outstanding early career scientists and physicians to join Vertex project teams and help advance real drug discovery programs. In addition to hands-on experience, Fellows receive training on the drug discovery process, mentorship from senior leaders, and exposure to many different business areas. The program is designed to augment, rather than replace, a traditional post-doctoral, residency or business school experience. David Altshuler, EVP, Global Research and Chief Scientific Officer, directs the program with the help of other Vertex senior leaders.

“The point of the Fellows Program is to make sure that we remain fresh, we bring in new people, new ideas, and also that we give back.”

Hear From Our Fellows

VOICE is an internal, global internal innovation tournament that empowers all employees to develop ideas in response to “game-changing” science and business challenges. Employees who have their ideas selected go on to build cross-functional teams, develop refined proposals and execute their business plans. Throughout the process, teams receive mentorship and training to most effectively move their proposals forward. VOICE reinvigorates Vertex’s culture with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages employees to become change makers who can contribute to the direction of the company and help advance our goal of discovering cures for serious diseases.

Since the program began in 2015, dozens of ideas have been implemented, including initiating a major research program in a new disease, multiple exploratory research projects, a 3D printing lab, a mobile app to help Vertexians find one another, and a commuter bus program to reduce traffic congestion in Boston’s Seaport District.

“VOICE is a great tool to make sure that we don’t lose that innovative spirit that brought us to where we are today. It gives everyone at Vertex an opportunity and framework for bringing their ideas forward.”

SUE STOKES

Innovation Director & VOICE Steering Committee Chair

“It’s amazing to see the innovation that happens – it just blossoms on its own.”

“VOICE gives employees a way to get involved in something that wouldn’t be part of their normal day job – something that is outside of the realm of maybe anything they’ve ever done before, but they now have permission and the opportunity to really throw themselves into it.”

PAT SPAIN

Quality Systems Director & VOICE Participant

See VOICE in Action

Science and Medicine Seminars

Our Science and Medicine speaker series connects our employees with cutting-edge science and medical thought leaders from within and outside of Vertex. We look for thought-provoking speakers and ideas that challenge us to think about scientific problems in new ways, and provide opportunities for employees to remain lifelong learners.

The Science of Possibility

Vertex creates new possibilities in medicine to cure diseases and improve people's lives. We work with leading researchers, doctors, public health experts and other collaborators who share our vision for transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families and society.

Join Us

Giving Back

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